UV-C Disinfection Chamber for VR Headset Hygiene
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Virtual reality visors and headsets are prone to contamination and dirt accumulation due to direct contact with multiple users, with existing cleaning methods being inefficient in reaching all crevices and prone to human error.
Innovation Solution
A chamber-based system incorporating an ultraviolet light source and a closed-circuit air tube for disinfecting and cleaning headsets, utilizing a nanotech coating and pressurized air to destroy bacteria and viruses, and remove detritus from the surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual cleaning with alcohol wipes is used, then cleaning can be performed, but human error occurs and crevices are not reached
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical wiping with an automated system using pressurized air jets and UV-C light. The air jet system uses compressed air delivered through hoses and wands to blow debris from surfaces, while UV-C light provides automated disinfection. This eliminates human error in cleaning technique and ensures consistent application of cleaning forces and disinfection exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a pressurized air system with air compressors, regulators, and jet wands to deliver high-velocity air streams for removing debris from headset surfaces. The pneumatic system provides controlled, repeatable cleaning force that can reach crevices and hard-to-access areas more effectively than manual wiping, resolving the contradiction between reliability and accessibility.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If manual wiping is used, then cleaning is performed, but all crevices and nooks cannot be reached
Solution Approach 1:
The pressurized air jet system delivers high-velocity air streams through flexible wands that can be maneuvered into crevices, nooks, and hard-to-reach areas of the headset. The air pressure forces debris and contaminants out from confined spaces, achieving thorough cleaning of surfaces that manual wiping cannot access.
Solution Approach 2:
The UV-C light system provides automated disinfection by exposing all surfaces of the headset to germicidal ultraviolet radiation. The system ensures consistent, thorough disinfection of all surfaces including crevices and nooks, eliminating the need for manual application and ensuring complete coverage that manual methods cannot achieve.
3Reliability
If automated systems are used, then human error is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated cleaning system is divided into distinct functional modules: a pressurized air system with compressor and jet wands for debris removal, and a separate UV-C light system for disinfection. This segmentation allows each subsystem to be independently optimized, maintained, and operated, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high reliability through specialized components.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Effectively disinfects and cleans headsets by destroying bacteria and viruses with UV light and removing detritus with pressurized air, ensuring the devices are ready for the next user while reducing human error and improving hygiene.
Implementation Method 1
An ultraviolet (UV) light source may be coupled to the power supply. The UV light source is disposed to shine UV light onto a surface of the headset configured for placement against a face of a user to destroy bacteria and viruses on the surface.
Implementation Method 2
The closed-circuit tube includes vents disposed to blow pressurized air around the headset to remove detritus from surfaces of the headset and dry the headset.
Implementation Method 3
The closed-circuit tube includes vents disposed to blow pressurized air around the headset to remove detritus from surfaces of the headset and dry the headset.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides an apparatus for disinfecting and cleaning an item intended to be worn multiple times, the apparatus comprising a chamber having an inner volume sufficient to accommodate the item intended to be worn multiple times and an ultraviolet (UV) light source disposed to shine UV light onto a surface of the item configured for placement against skin of a user.